The 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference is fast approaching, with the gathering of the organization's 194 member states scheduled for November 7-22, 2023. This momentous event, marking the 42nd session since UNESCO's inception, will provide a forum for high-level discussions on UNESCO's strategies to address global challenges posed by climate disruption and the emergence of cutting-edge technologies. In addition, a series of events and exhibitions will take place at UNESCO Headquarters.
Press breakfast and exhibition tour on 14 November
A notable event during the conference is the Press Breakfast and Exhibition Visit, scheduled for November 14 from 09:00 to 10:30. Journalists are invited to explore the various exhibitions and engage with UNESCO experts on the organization's current initiatives.
Highlight events
Several high-profile events will take place during the conference, including
November 7, 3:30 p.m. - The conference will begin with an opening address by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.
November 9, 3:00-6:00 p.m. - A high-level segment entitled "(re)Thinking the Commons, Acting Together" will feature a keynote address by Professor Dipesh Chakrabarti of the University of Chicago. The discussion will focus on safeguarding commons in the era of climate change, and will include panels with representatives from Member States, business and civil society that will explore effective measures to protect critical "commons" in the face of global challenges such as biodiversity loss and digital transformation.
November 9, 6:10 p.m. - A presentation on the UNESCO x LVMH Amazon Biosphere Reserves Project will highlight efforts to halt the degradation of forest ecosystems and support alternative livelihoods for local and indigenous communities in eight UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in four countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru). The event will also mark the launch of the Biodiversity Portal, an interactive mapping tool of UNESCO data within the UNESCO Earth Network.
14 November, 19:30 - The acclaimed K-pop group SEVENTEEN will perform on stage and deliver a speech as part of the UNESCO Youth Forum, an event taking place from 13 to 15 November. Young participants from more than 150 countries will join global leaders to discuss the societal impacts of climate change.
Exhibitions
A number of exhibitions featuring guest artists and UNESCO initiatives will be on display, and a press breakfast and tour has been organized for November 14, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. These exhibitions include
A special edition of the BienalSur Latin American Contemporary Art Fair, showcasing a new generation of African and Afro-descendant artists.
A photography exhibition near UNESCO Headquarters, highlighting shared living, documentary and natural heritage, featuring renowned photographers.
Amazonium," an immersive artistic installation by eco-artist Thijs Biersteker that addresses deforestation.
An exhibition on innovation and digital transformation, highlighting UNESCO's use of the latest technologies in various fields.
An exhibition on UNESCO's work in crisis situations and post-crisis recovery, focusing on Iraq, Ukraine and Yemen.
Prizes and awards
Throughout the General Conference, UNESCO, its Member States and partners will present a number of prizes and awards to recognize outstanding achievements in education, science and culture. Notable award ceremonies and discussions include
The Global Teacher Prize Award Ceremony and the launch of the Global Report on Teachers.
UNESCO-Japan Prize on Education for Sustainable Development Award Ceremony and Panel Discussion on Greening Education.
The UNESCO Kalinga Prize for Science Popularization 2023.
The UNESCO-Carlos J. Finlay Prize for Microbiology.
The UNESCO-Melina Mercouri International Prize for the Conservation and Management of Cultural Landscapes, is scheduled for November 16.
